Design+Dialogue

Over the course of 2020, we have seen the effects of climate change and infectious disease. Both disproportionally affect underprivileged communities who often lack access to healthcare or the ability to relocate. Architecture firms have an opportunity to invest in climate change and COVID recovery– including renewable energy and green […]

This post is to thank everyone that has been a part of my life, and of DBI. Today is my 50th birthday and I feel so fortunate to have such a great life, business, and home. Thank you!

Equity as a value can change an architecture or design firm for the better. When firms promote diversity and equity in their organizational culture, they attract and retain better talent, improve performance, and create a work environment where everyone feels like they have a voice. What Is Equity? Equity is […]

DBI is starting to see the design industry recover in parts of the country.  Many of our clients are looking for ways to increase profit AND mitigate risk.  We feel that a strong contract talent/interim solutions strategy is a great way to do both. In this video I touch on […]

The list of reasons why some people dislike their boss can be extensive. From neglecting employees’ feelings and concerns to setting unrealistic expectations, there are many potential weaknesses that firm leaders can suffer from. But the success of a firm depends on managers and employees having mutual respect. Having a […]

As I have been working with firms, planning for their recovery as well as for the talent they will need to meet those recover goals, contract talent has come up time and again. DBI’s contract talent studio is call Interim Solutions.  We have the ability to put talent into any […]

Think back to before the Pandemic started (I know, it seems like last year) but go with me. Were your employees engaged? Did they truly participate in the firm? Did they understand the firm goals and strategies? Did they care? Now think about those same employees today. Are you at […]

As architecture recruiters, we don’t want COVID-19 to get in the way of students entering the profession. But the pandemic continues to impact our industry as firms strategize how to continue their internship programs while keeping everybody safe. Although some employers chose to cancel internships, others were able to offer […]

As a leader I feel it is critical to be in the trenches, part of the work my teams do. It helps to create a strong corporate culture of trust and allows me to better lead the entire firm forward, removing obstacles and creating opportunities I may have missed if […]

If there is a silver lining to come out of this recent health threat, it could be that we are learning more about what the pandemic shares in common with climate change, along with some proactive steps that we can take to reduce the negative impacts of both. Let’s review […]

Between furloughs and cutbacks, the ongoing pandemic has upended a lot of people’s careers. Many professionals in architecture and design have found themselves in a position where they suddenly have to search for a job during an economic slowdown. Here are some tips to share on your resume, on social […]

The global pandemic hit the architecture industry hard. In the second quarter of 2020, almost three-fourths of design firms saw a decrease in their billings. When something unexpected happens to the economy, companies tend to put major development projects on hold. Fortunately, it isn’t all bad news. Some sectors of […]

This is the best interview tool. This is THE ONE tool I have to works in any interview situation. It is free and everyone has access to it. It is Cognitive Empathy.

What is extinct productivity? The old way of motivating talent to be more productive is extinct. There is a new way!

As the architecture employment market becomes more competitive, companies need to find strategic ways to improve the candidate experience. Providing candidates with a positive experience during recruitment improves the overall reputation of your company, increases the likelihood of your top pick accepting an offer, and helps new hires start off […]

Creatives. Do we need them anymore? It could be argued that the very way we see and perceive the world is because of the creative. But do we need them anymore? Can’t computers do the work?